First Look: Black Crows Solis

Black Crows Solis, 173 cm Metrics

Available lengths (cm): 173.3, 180

Dimensions (mm): 125-100-108 [173.3]

Radius (m): 25

Mass (g): 1746g (verified) 

Mount Position (cm from center): -9cm

Construction Highlights: Full sidewall, paulownia/poplar core, titanal underfoot

Shape: Relatively long radius, tapered tip and tail

Profile: Long rockered tip, camber underfoot, aggressively rockered and twin tipped tail

Binding & Boot Pairing Tested: Slatnar Touring Bindings, Various boots

Similar Models: Down Skis Countdown 104, WNDR Alpine Vital 100

MSRP: $1149.95

Black Crows always comes to the table with eye catching shapes and graphics.

Black Crows, at it again with some unique skis. Part of the Big Mountain line, the Solis strays from the solid, neon topsheets that most ski tourists associate with the brand. The Solis is touted as a steep skiing machine, built for supreme edge hold and predictable performance. Given Black Crows Chamonix roots, they are the right brand for the job when it comes to steep skiing tools. 

I struggled a bit to come up with anything for the “Similar Models” field in our metrics sheet. After some rabbit holes into no longer produced skis such as the Down Countdown 104 and some older models of the Armada Declivity, the only currently available ski I could come up with that is somewhat similar is the WNDR Alpine Vital 100 Cambered. 

Not a lot of sidecut here, also note the nice beefy tail notch.

Aside from super robust construction that is immediately apparent handling the skis, the standout characteristic of the Solis is the 25m turning radius. I’ve skied quite a few 22-23m, 105mm waisted skis in the past few seasons, but the Solis is notably straighter looking than any of these skis. The rocker profile is immediately appealing, with a touch of early rise in the otherwise flat tail, a smidge of camber underfoot, and a long, gently rockered tip. Shape wise, the Solis has quite a bit of resemblance to legendary crud crushers like the Blizzard Cochise, though the tip rocker is a bit more gentle/consistent where the cochise has a more distinct splay as you reach the tip. Anyways, this all gives me some hope that the Solis will feel at home not only in steep terrain, but also bring some stability and confidence in tracked/crud/crappy conditions as well. 

Full Rocker Profile, just a kiss of camber.

When the Solis was first released, Julien Regnier, the main designer of the ski, talked about the need for a “good kit on the ski” and warned against a binding that is too supple at the back. Given my tendency for race bindings and desire to take this ski on longer tours, the new Slatnar binding felt like a suitable match, given its beefy looking freeride spacer and generally solid look. Regnier also says, “It is a highly specialised ski but lots of friends want to try it. So, I tell them that it isn’t for them. But nothing to do, the guy answers me: “I don’t care, I want to ski it.” This sums up my conversations with the folks at Black Crows well. 

“Welcome to the metaverse”….?

Some quality bonus reading on the Solis from the Black Crows Blog.